Starting at Sheffield Hallam
Module 3: Adapting to higher education
Screen challenge: What projects or activities can you get involved in besides your regular lectures? How will they help you get the most out of your experience?
As we've shown, there are many ways to learn: online, face-to-face, by reading, doing research, talking in groups... adapting to higher education involves trying out new ways of learning.
You may be raring to go or you may feel intimidated by some aspects of student life such as huge lectures or one-on-one tutorials. These feelings are all normal and are a natural part of pursuing higher education.
We asked some students and graduates about the different types of learning sessions on offer and what they got out of them. Click 'Play' to watch the video.
Useful advice
Lecturers can provide a great knowledge base to help stimulate your thinking. Good lecturers will also encourage intellectual risk-taking and inspire independent research. It is the lecturers' role to facilitate learning, but the interest, motivation, and sheer effort needed to master a subject can only come from you.
Although you may be more comfortable with some types of learning, higher education is about pushing yourself to do more and work harder than you thought you could.
In the following activity, reflect on the question, then make a list of your thoughts in the space below. Click 'Next' to move to the next question.
Which types of learning described in the video sound interesting to you? Are there other types of learning that you plan to get involved in?
How do you plan to adapt to forms of learning that you aren't familiar with?
In addition to attending lectures and going to tutorials, you can also get involved in research, study abroad, do internships and volunteer on projects at your institution. Taking part in these kinds of things will help you get the most out of your education – and have fun too!
What kinds of things would you like to get involved with while studying? In the following activity, consider each question, select the response which best reflects your opinion, then click 'Vote' to register your response. How does your answer compare with those of your peers? Click 'Feedback' to see our thoughts, and click 'Next' to move to the next question.
Students say
I was always put off by returning to education, because I didn't enjoy college, so it's almost taken me 12 years to get back into it. But when I did, I found the staff were more approachable than I remembered, and there was more advice. I wish I'd done it sooner.
First-year childhood studies student
I came to university thinking I worked hard to get here and I was ready to get to the next level. And you think everything's going to be perfect, but actually, things become 20 times harder...
Second-year history student
I wasn't happy at first. My course didn't make any sense, it had no connection to what I was doing. I really felt completely lost. Everybody else seemed to be swinging through it. Then, in my final year, I had one tutor who was very inspiring. She helped me to: 1) start liking my course, 2) want to go into practice, and then 3) finally decide that practice was not for me – that I really belonged in teaching.
Law graduate
What are your thoughts on participating in the following activities?
Research can be a great way to apply what you have learned and to help advance your field – or see if this is something you want to do after graduation. Consider participating as a research subject – this can involve anything from filling out quizzes to tasting new ice cream flavours! Ask academic staff about opportunities at your institution.
There are many options for studying abroad – you may do it as part of a department programme or on your own. Your institution may run an exchange scheme with other institutions. Look up your departmental and institutional resources to find out more. It's not too early to start making plans!
Gaining real-world experience while studying can help put your learning into practice. It is often much easier to negotiate gaining experience as a student, whether as part of a programme offered by your institution or on your own. Check out contact details for alumni from your department or subject area who have offered to help students find work experience.
Learning can seem more relevant when you put it into practice. Volunteering with local schools, care centres or community groups is a great way to gain experience and make a positive difference, no matter what you are studying. Look on noticeboards or ask your advisor about opportunities. Your Students' Union may also know of some local partners!
Learning another language can open doors for your career and allow you to engage with a broader range of students and academics. Language support is available online and through courses. Check out what your institution offers – possibly everything from Arabic to Urdu!
There are lots of amazing ways to enhance your studies online – everything from group app development to providing tutorial support for schoolchildren. Search around and see what is out there, or be creative and start up something yourself!
Getting the most out of higher education means trying new things, taking all the opportunities available and also understanding how to get the most out of the learning you are doing. The more you put in, the more you get out!
In the next module we look at how to get involved with your institution and get help when you need it.
Portfolio activity
Duration: 10 minutes
Take a few moments and reflect on your own educational history.
What has your school experience been like so far? What types of activities have you engaged in? Have you written a blog? Did you go on field trips? Did you participate in sports, music or arts programmes? Write down short answers to the following questions, and see if your responses change as you complete this course.
- What learning activities have you enjoyed the most in the past?
- What did you find most challenging?
- What types of activities did you do best at? Why do you think you excelled?
You may wish to download and use the attached template to record your thoughts.